Foo Fighters reveal new drummer Josh Freese in ‘Preparing Music For Concerts’ livestream

The Foo Fighters have been mourning the death of their longtime drummer, Taylor Hawkins, who passed away on March 25, 2022, at the age of 50.

The band has since revealed his successor, during their live-streamed show titled ‘Preparing Music for Concerts’ on Sunday, May 21, ahead of their upcoming tour.

Josh Freese, 50, will be joining the band on tour. Freese has previously performed with bands such as Devo, Nine Inch Nails, Guns N’ Roses, and Sting, amongst many others.

A number of guest drummers joined the livestream

During the ‘Preparing Music for Concerts’ livestream, filmed entirely in black and white, three famous drummers entered the intimate setting, teasing that perhaps they were the Foo Fighters’ new drummer.

Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, walked in first saying “Hey, I got the P.F. Changs.”

Next, Chad Smith of The Red Hot Chili Peppers joined the band, joking “There’s a white Mercedes blocking my car.”

Tool’s Danny Carey entered, announcing, “I groomed your poodles for you.”

Then the camera panned over to Freese on the drum set, who asked the band, “Um… excuse me?! Can we play a song or two or something?”

Prompting the band to jump into their hit 2002 single ‘All My Life’.

Throughout the rest of the livestream, the band played songs from their upcoming new album ‘But Here We Are’, slated for a June 2 release.

The Foo Fighters announce they will be a different band following Hawkin’s death

After Hawkin’s sudden and unexpected death, the band canceled all 2022 plans, including the tour they had been planning with Hawkins. They remained quiet for the rest of the year.

On December 31, 2022, the band released a statement saying that “without Taylor, we know that we’re going to be a different band going forward.”

The band is now set to resume their tour on May 24, 2023.

Foo Fighters 2023 Tour Dates

05-24 Gilford, NH - Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

05-26 Boston, MA - Boston Calling Music Festival

05-28 Columbus, OH - Sonic Temple Arts & Music Festival

06-02 Nürburgring, Germany - Rock am Ring

06-04 Nürburgring, Germany - Rock im Park

06-14 Rogers, AR - Walmart AMP06-16 Pelham, AL - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

06-18 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

07-02 Ottawa, Ontario - Ottawa Bluesfest

07-15 Milwaukee, WI - Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival

07-28-30 Naeba, Japan - Fuji Rock

09-03 Aspen, CO - Jazz Aspen Snowmass

09-09 São Paulo, Brazil - The Town

09-17 Asbury, Park, NJ - Sea.Hear.Now Festival